Movable container lock for shipping containers

ABSTRACT

A movable container lock slides into and out of position laterally and is held in a secure position by the combination of longitudinal and lateral stop blocks coacting with a gravity lock and is further tethered to be moved from one selected position of a vehicle to another so that the need for multiple locks can be minimized and flexibility in selection of containers sizes for lading can be maximized.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

Priority is claimed based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application SerialNo. 60/168,922, Filed Dec. 3, 1999, entitled “Movable Container Lock ForShipping Containers.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A movable shipping container lock is mountable and demountable on a deckor frame of a vehicle so that the lock can be adapted to different loadconditions including a different mix of containers of different lengthand the like while having unused locks not interfere with the flushmounting of long containers.

2. Description of Related Art

Numerous arrangements for container locks are known including our U.S.Pat. No. 5,570,981, sharing a common assignee with this application. Thedisclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,981 is incorporated by reference as iffully set forth herein. Locks are typically mounted by various meansincluding recently by welding using flanges that permit adaptation of alock to pedestals of specific size.

European Patent No. EP 0292369 entitled “Locking device for containerson a vehicle loading platform, and platform provided therewith.” is fora locking device for containers on a vehicle loading platform such asthat of a railway wagon or a road vehicle and is characterized in thatthe opposing faces of bearing planes for the securing members and ofthese securing members are given complementary shapes which, withoutopposing any lifting of the securing member, lock it in terms oftranslational movement in the bearing plane at least in a directionparallel to the longitudinal axis of the platform. In particular, thispatent shows a projection or finger, that fits vertically into acomplementary opening or aperture, the walls of the opening or aperturepreventing longitudinal movement, while the entire lock can be lifted,disengaging the projection from the aperture, and the lock can then beslid along a rod, to which it is slidably affixed through an arm, to alocation wherein the lock can be stowed. thereby freeing the deck of thevehicle from the projection of the lock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A container lock for securing shipping containers to a vehicle deckcomprising has a lock housing containing a latch mechanism that extendsoutwardly from the housing to engage a shipping container cornercasting. The housing has a combination of projecting wings and lipprojecting therefrom in a generally symmetric “T” shaped plan form.

In alternative embodiments, other plan forms may be used, such ascombining an “A” shape with a rod or bar under the vehicle deck, slidinginto a mounted position and retracting into a hanging demountedposition, combining a modified, generally asymmetric, “T” shape withwings and an asymmetric projecting lip, sliding with a pivoting rod,sliding into and out of a mounted position and then pivoting andinverting or “flipping over” to a stowed position.

Locating stops for the symmetric “T” shaped lock are mountable to thedeck of the vehicle. Projecting tabs extend from the locating stops. Thewings and lips slide under and engage the projecting tabs of thelocating stops. Similarly. the asymmetric “T” shaped lock uses locatingstops having projecting tabs to receive the wings and lip. The “A”shaped lock uses flanges that engage the plate from which the vehicledeck is formed.

Blocks mountable to the deck position the lock appropriately forlongitudinal and lateral positioning for container service and providecontainer securement by transferring lateral and longitudinal forcesbetween the container and car or wagon. The preferred longitudinallysliding anchor arrangement allows the lock to be moved along the deck todifferent container securement positions. The alternative embodimentsprovide for fixed longitudinal positions or stations.

In the longitudinally movable (symmetric “T”) embodiment, a tetherinterconnects the anchor and the lock to keep the lock secure to thecar. The tether is formed in a length that allows the lock enoughmovement to disengage the stop block projecting tabs but not so muchmovement that the lock can hang over the side of the vehicle.

In the longitudinally movable (symmetric “T”) embodiment, the best modeof the invention is practiced using a pivoting gravity lock whichprevents the lock from being moved from its position without humanintervention. This uses a pivoting pendulous member having a first tabprojecting upwardly in a position of rest and a second projecting tabprojecting sidewardly in a position of rest, such that said member ispivotable against gravity to move said first tab to a sidewards positionand said second tab to an upwards position. The gravity lock's pendulousmember is pivotally mounted on a plate, said plate being opaque andselectively concealing and revealing one of said first tabs and secondtabs, so that said first tab indicates a lock operable state and saidsecond tab indicates a lock movable state.

The asymmetric “T” embodiment contemplates a pin to fix the lock inplace. The “A” shaped embodiment uses the combination of the mechanicalelements of slots and the bar or rod to fix the lock in place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the movable container lock forshipping containers.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the movable container lock forshipping containers.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the movable container lock for shippingcontainers

FIG. 4 is a rear front elevational view of the movable container lockfor shipping containers.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the movable container lock forshipping containers in its disengaged state.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the movable container lock for shippingcontainers in its disengaged state.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the gravity lock for the containerlock.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the asymmetric “T” lock deployed ona railcar.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the asymmetric “T” lock being aslid out of an engagement with the stops.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the asymmetric “T” lock pivotedinto the stowed position.

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the asymmetric “T” lock.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the asymmetric “T” lock.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the deck of a vehicle showing the stopsand opening into which the asymmetric “T” lock pivots.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the rod type “A” lock in a placeon a rail car.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the rod type “A” lock in place on arailcar.

FIG. 16 is side elevational view of the ride type “A” Lock stowed on arail car.

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the bar type “A” lock in place ona railcar.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the bar type “A” lock in place on a railcar.

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the round type “A” lock being slidfrom its operational position.

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the ride type “A” lock after theview in FIG. 19, being raised and moved to a stowing position.

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the rod type “A” lock being luredinto its stowed position such as FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Container lock 10 is used for securing standard shipping containers (notshown) by latching their comer castings. Lock 10 is movably and stowablymounted to a vehicle deck or frame 12. This may be, for example, astandard flat car, a European style railroad wagon or the like. Lockhousing 14 contains a latch mechanism 16. It will be seen that the latchmechanism 16 extends outwardly from the housing 14 to engage theshipping container corner casting. The housing 14 has a base 18 whichhas a combination of projecting wings 20 and lip 22 projecting therefromin a generally “T” shape plan form.

Longitudinal locating stops 24,26 are mountable on the left hand sideand right hand side of each selected position of lock 10 to the deck ofthe vehicle. Projecting tabs 28, 30 extend from the longitudinallocating stops. The wings 20 slide under and engage the projecting tabs28, 30 of the longitudinal locating stops 24, 26.

Lateral stops 32, 34 are located inboard on the car frame 12. These alsohave projecting tabs 36, 38, respectively that receive lip 22.

The blocks 24, 26 and 32, 34 act together to position the lockappropriately for longitudinal and lateral positioning for containerservice and providing container securement by transferring lateral andlongitudinal forces between the container and car or wagon. It will benoted that wings 20 are further supported by gussets 40 which helpstransfer these loads. This sliding anchor arrangement that allows thelock to be moved along the deck to different container securementpositions.

A tether 50 interconnects an anchor 52 and an attachment 54 on lock 10to keep the lock secure to the car, wagon or other vehicle. The tether50 is formed in a length that allows the lock 50 enough movement todisengage the wings 20 and lip 22 from the block projecting tabs 28, 30,36, 38 but not so much movement that the lock can hang over the side ofthe vehicle frame or deck 12. One embodiment of tether 50 is shown,using a chain and pipe for anchor 52. Other arrangements using rods,links or cables could be used commensurate with the needs of theparticular vehicle.

A pivoting gravity lock 60 prevents the lock 10 from being moved fromits position without human intervention. This uses a pivoting pendulousmember 62 that pivots around rod 64. Member 62 has a first tab 66projecting upwardly in a position of rest and a second projecting tab 68projecting sidewardly in a position of rest, such that said member 62 ispivotable against gravity to move said first tab 66 to a sidewardsposition and said second tab 68 to an upwards position. This is shown inFIG. 7. The gravity lock's pendulous member 62 is pivotally mounted on aplate 70. The plate 70 is not only structural, but being opaque alsoselectively conceals and reveals first tab 66 and second tab 68, so thatthe visible first tab 66 indicates a lock operable state and when onlythe second tab 68 is visible, it indicates a lock movable state. Thelock movable state is one where the lock is not secure and therefore thecontainer will not be secure on the car or wagon.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

An “A” shape plan form lock 110, 112 of FIG. 14 through FIG. 21 with arod, FIGS. 14-16 and FIGS. 19-21, or bar FIGS. 17 and 18, is maintainedin container receiving position through the engagement of tabs 114, 116under the vehicle deck 12, sliding into a mounted position, FIG. 14 andFIG. 17 and retracting into a hanging demounted position, FIG. 16. The“A” shape designation is used for convenience because when viewed inplan, as in FIG. 15 and FIG. 18, tabs 114, 116 form the legs of the “A”and flanges 118, 120 form the apex of the “A”.

Extending from the flanges, 118, 120 are, respectively, a rod or bar,122. Rod or bar 122 function to maintain the operative lock 110 or 112in position, and to hold the container to the deck 12 because the rod orbar 122 abuts the underside of the deck 12, thereby limiting movementhaving an upward directional component. The stowing operation, which maybe viewed as a movement from the operative position of FIG. 14 to thestowed position of FIG. 16, through the intermediate progression ofsliding in FIG. 19, to lifting in FIG. 20 and lowering in FIG. 21 aresimilar whether the rod or bar 122 is used and will be understood assuch by one of ordinary skill. The lifting is performed by manuallifting of handle 126. In either case lock 110, 112 is lowered through arectangular aperture, 130 in deck 12. Plates 132 provide added strengthon deck 12 adjacent aperture 130. The lock 110, 112 is preferably anautomatic lock such as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,981, but otherlocks could be used.

The alternative generally asymmetric, “T” shape plan form lock 210 isshown in FIGS. 8-12. Like the preferred embodiment, this embodiment useswings 220 to hold lock 210 in place, working in conjunction with anasymmetric projecting lip 222. Wings 220 and lip 222 engage longitudinallocating stops 224, 226 and lateral stop 232, respectively. Stops 224,226 in this embodiment have projecting tabs 228, 230 which maintain thelock 210 in position when in its operative location. Similarly, stop 232has a projecting tab 236 that captures lip 222.

This device is made to slide laterally outwardly relative to the railcar to move to the operative position, and slide laterally inwardlyrelative to the rail car to disengage stops 224, 226, 232. There term“laterally” is relative to the longitudinal axis of a rail car, andcould also mean “transversely” relative to the longitudinal axis of therail car, the longitudinal axis being understood to be the longdimension of the typical car, and running from the center of one couplerto the other. The principles taught herein are not necessarily intendedto be limited to rail cars, as containers need to be locked to decks ofvarious other vehicles.

In the operative position, the lock 210 is maintained in position by theengagement into locking flange 245 of pin 247 which extends into throughaperture 248 and into opening 249 in deck 12.

Stowing is accomplished by sliding lock 210 so that stops 224, 226, 232are disengaged as shown in FIG. 9. Extending inwardly from base 218 ispivot arms 250. Arms 250 have pivot rod 252 extending outwardly throughapertures 282, being retained on deck by straps 254 which provide alimit of vertical movement of pivoting rod 252, while permitting slidingof a movement sufficient to disengage stops 224, 226, 232 into and outof a mounted position. When disengaged, as shown in FIG. 9, the entirelock 210 is and then pivot and inverted or “flipped over” to a stowedposition as shown in FIG. 10. Aperture 280, FIG. 13, enables the receiptof the inverted lock 210 so that a substantially flat deck 12 can bepresented for cargo.

Arms 250, straps 254 and rod 252 coact to provide security against lossor theft and are advantageous for high performance automatic locks ofthe type discussed herein, although other locks may be used.

While the present invention has been disclosed and described withreference to three embodiments thereof, it will be apparent, as notedabove that variations and modifications may be made therein. It is alsonoted that the present invention is independent of the vehicle on whichit is mounted, and is not limited to those vehicles. It is, thus,intended in the following claims to cover each variation andmodification that falls within the true spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

I claim:
 1. A container lock for securing a shipping container to avehicle deck having an assembly comprising: a lock housing containing aprojecting latch mechanism for engaging the container; said housinghaving wings, lips having horizontal top surface, or ears projectingtherefrom; locating stops being mountable to the deck; projecting tabsextending from said locating stops; said wings, lips, or ears slidingunder and engaging said projecting tabs of said locating stops; whereinthe locating stops position the lock housing appropriately forlongitudinal and lateral positioning for container service and providingcontainer securement by transferring lateral and longitudinal forcesbetween the container and the vehicle deck.
 2. A container lock forsecuring a shipping container to a vehicle deck having an assemblycomprising: a lock housing containing a latch mechanism for engaging thecontainer; said housing having wings, lips, or ears projectingtherefrom; locating stops being mountable to the deck; projecting tabsextending from said locating stops; said wings, lips, or ears slidingunder and engaging said projecting tabs of said locating stops; whereinthe locating stops position the lock housing appropriately forlongitudinal and lateral positioning for container service and providingcontainer securement by transferring lateral and longitudinal forcesbetween the container and the vehicle deck; a sliding anchor arrangementthat allows the lock housing to be moved along the deck to differentcontainer securement positions on the deck.
 3. A lock assembly accordingto claim 2 and further comprising: a tether interconnecting the anchorarrangement and a lock to keep the lock housing secure with respect tothe vehicle deck.
 4. A lock assembly according to claim 3, and furtherhaving a pivoting gravity lock that prevents the lock housing from beingmoved from its located position on the deck without human intervention,the gravity lock having a pivoting pendulous member having a first tabprojecting upwardly in a position of rest and a second projecting tabprojecting sidewardly in a position of rest, such that said member ispivotable against gravity to move said first tab to a sidewards positionand said second tab to an upwards position, wherein: said pendulousmember is pivotally mounted on a plate, said plate being opaque andselectively conceals and reveals above the deck one of said first taband second tab, so that said first tab revealed above the deck indicatesa lock operable state and said second tab being revealed above the deckindicates a lock movable state.